Triple Play Awards

CMA HONORS COUNTRY MUSIC'S GREATEST STORYTELLERS

Three was the lucky number at the annual CMA Songwriters Luncheon with the presentation of the CMA Triple Play Awards, which honor songwriters who pen three chart-topping hits in a 12 month period.

"This occasion affords CMA the opportunity to honor true creators," said CMA Board President-Elect Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville. "These exceptional songwriters begin every song with a blank page. They proceed to create something out of thin air that moves us. That's magical. That's why we love and honor songwriters. They put into words and music what the rest of us feel but can't articulate."

"Nashville is legendary for its songwriters and their ability to convey the triumphs and tragedies of everyday life," said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "CMA is honored to award some of these songwriters for this amazing accomplishment and their contributions to our format."

Recognizing excellence in the format is the foundation of CMA's mission and there were several songwriters on hand at the Country Music Hall of Fame to receive their Triple Play Awards including Rhett Akins, Casey Beathard, Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Chris DuBois, Luke Laird, Jason Sellers, and Dave Turnbull. Also in attendance were hit tunesmiths from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, as well as songwriter members of CMA, NSAI, and representatives of some of the most successful publishers in Music City.

"Any songwriter realizes that to get a song recorded and then have it make it to the top of the charts requires the alignment of every single star in the universe," said Tomlinson. "But to have three songs do that in such a short period of time is truly exceptional. I am grateful to be a part of the CMA honoring these gifted creators of song."

Garnering an unbelievable two Triple Play Awards this year were Zac Brown and Davidson. "I'm blessed to be able to do this for a living and I'll never take it for granted," said Davidson after receiving his trophies.